Canada Trip Itineraries

Alternative Calgary for the Newcomer

Destination(s): Calgary

Calgary's common reputation as a more business-oriented city with a large suburb-dwelling population makes it easy to assume that it would have little to offer a newcomer seeking the hip, artsy or otherwise alternative hot-spots in their travels. On the contrary, Calgary boasts a uniquely thriving alternative scene with an surprising selection of unique destinations. direct-trade coffee shops, vegetarian-friendly dining, used record stores and vintage shops are found in abundance in the downtown core, frequented by the disarmingly-friendly community of Calgary's hipster subculture. Whether you're settling into the invigorating atmosphere of Cafe Mediterranean, Calgary's premier hookah lounge, or catching the local dub & raggae DJs for a night of dancing at Bamboo, Calgary has it covered for just about any niche market you might be into. Once you start exploring around downtown you're bound to find whatever you may be looking for, but if you're looking to quickly find the prime spots that the locals know and love, this guide is a great place to get you pointed in the right direction! For regular updates on what to do in Calgary, try following the NileGuide Calgary twitter feed @ngyyc. Enjoy!
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Bumpy's Cafe

Bumpy's Café is a Calgary institution, one of those places both locals and tourists alike visit to get their fix of caffeine and homemade breakfasts and lunches. The crowds here vary greatly, from the suits grabbing an espresso as the doors open before heading to their corner office downtown, to the yummy Mummys and their tots nibbling scones and sipping lattes around 11 AM, to the lunch rush, to college students and hipsters lingering throughout the afternoon. Award-winning latte art promises your café au lait will be prettier than you are, going perfectly with the fully customizable "soul-warming" oatmeal (try almonds and berries). Casserole dishes change daily, so pray you get there the day Bumpy's is serving their signature Gruyere Mac and Cheese.
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1886 Cafe

My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe

Ask any many-generation Calgarian – they probably begged their parents to go to My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe at some point in their life. Nestled into a little strip mall near Marda Loop in Calgary's Southwest, My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe is the go-to ice cream joint in the city, featuring such classic flavors as Coffee and Cream, Our Best Strawberry, and Rich Rocky Road (the more adventurous may be inclined to try Cherry Custard, Deep Dish Apple, or Moose Tracks). Don't be alarmed if the lineup is out the door, waiting only makes the ice cream taste better. Arcade games from the '80s, an ancient looking horsey ride, and the pointy white confectioners hats on the staff round out this trip into Calgary's delicious past.
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Ship and Anchor Pub

Boogie's Burgers

Those on diets should just stay home – Boogie's Burgers in Calgary's Northeast isn't for the faint of heart or meat-averse (although "Noelle's Veggie Burger" is quite tasty). Let the items on the menu speak for themselves: Doug's "Don't Fear the Reaper" Burger is four patties topped with bacon, cheese, a fried egg and a hot dog. For those with less of a pure meat hunger, try Boogie's lemon-pepper Salmon Burger, or a single-patty smothered in the signature red sauce. Fry choices include regular, spicy, yam or onion rings. Just in case your quadruple burger doesn't cut it, we're partial to topping it off with an extra thick Cappucino Shake.
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Higher Ground

Eau Claire Market

On the north end of downtown, just across the way from Prince's Island Park, Eau Claire Market has sought for years to establish itself as a trendy, unique marketplace to rival Uptown 17th Ave. and Kensington Village. Eau Claire is home to several trendy restaurants, such as Joey Tomato's Kitchen and Prego! It also houses some unique shops, wine and liquor stores, and professional offices. The IMAX theater has moved, since one opened in Chinook Centre, but the Cineplex Odeon cinema is still in business. Eau Claire Market, sadly, has never really lived up to its potential, but it is a great location downtown.

Wicked Wedge Pizza Company

The Wicked Wedge used to own the 17th Ave. pizza scene. But, they recently moved to Chinook Centre food court. This allows for more seating area than they used to have, but changes the atmosphere completely. The pizza is still tasty. The herb crusts and healthy ingredients make it seem like it's good for you! They still offer lots of variety, but delivery is limited to a 2km radius from the mall. read more about Wicked Wedge Pizza Company

Hop In Brew Coffee and Beer House

Kensington Village

Prince's Island Park

Prince's Island is one of the most used urban parks in North America. Right downtown, this park is one of the most beautiful areas in Calgary. It's an ideal place to stroll though in the summertime, to watch the Canadian geese, play in the lagoon or walk along the adjoining pathway. There are also flower gardens and seasonal water fountains. In the winter, get a hot chocolate and enjoy the beauty the snow adds to the riverbank. Or stop into the River Café for a delicious bite to eat. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year – check with the city to see what's going on.
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